Storms contribute to shoaling problem, limit ferry travel

Hurricane Sandy and winter storms have contributed to ferry suspensions and weight restrictions on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route.

North Carolina Department of Transportation's ferry division is warning travelers of possible suspensions over the coming weeks due to extreme shoaling of the Hatteras inlet channel.

According to the NCDOT shoaling has been a problem in the inlet, but recent storms have made things worse.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to resolve the situation. Dredging will be ongoing through the next several weeks.

"Visitors to our area need to be apprised to the situation," said Ferry Director Harold Thomas. "Getting people where they need to go safely is our top priority and we want to get the word out that conditions at the inlet can change in an instant," Thomas said.

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